Rehabilitation of the Porpoise Creek wildlife viewing station at Belle Isle is now complete except for the installation of a waterfowl identification poster.
Looking for ways to improve visitor experience at Belle Isle and inspired by the Virginia Wildlife Viewing Plan 2021-2031, in late 2023 the Friends and Jon Steele, Park Manager, considered the possibility of adding a new wildlife viewing station. It would be terrific to have one but we quickly realized that the rigors of regulatory compliance and major construction were a bit too much for a group inexperienced in such matters. Jon called out attention to an ageing photography blind just off the Porpoise Creek Trail on an inlet from the Rappahannock.
The blind, which we were advised was built around 2005, had seen better days. Its enclosed siding left it unattractive to most visitors and it appeared little used. It seemed to cry out for transformation into an open area overlooking the inlet it fronted. A great opportunity to stimulate interest in viewing nature in a beautiful, remote setting and to hopefully draw more people into the park.
Plans were drawn up which included not just the rehabilitation of the blind but additional “tools” for visitors to use – backpacks with binoculars and wildlife identification guides and waterfowl identification signage at the site. And new benches.
An application for funding was presented to the River Counties Community Foundation. A generous grant was received in mid-2024.
Construction began in August with a small crew (it’s a small work area) and, after over 120 volunteer hours, ended in late September. We hired professional roofers – for some reason our crew was not anxious to get into the air. A logbook was created and installed with hope that we can both track usage and get suggestions for better visitor experience.
At the October Friend’s meeting, the backpacks, equipment, and benches were presented by Frances Callaghan, Friends President, to Rachel Howell, the parks education Ranger.
We hope readers will visit the park soon and take some time to watch nature from our “new” station. Tell us about your experience in the logbook. Take along a picnic – the new benches are very comfortable!
FRIENDS OF BELLE ISLE STATE PARK 